TEST OF WILLS

For the first time, the opening number of a "Magellan" album is not an epic nor one of the best tune from the album. Not that "Gameface" sounds bad, but the heavy metal edge sounds quite different to their previous and good works.

It is true to say that in their earlier albums, the epics (or longest numbers) were by far the best songs available. It is again the case on this "Test Of Wills". The band is leaning into the neo- prog territories (which has always be their main genre) with the good "Social Marginal".

Even if some Anderson type vocals can be experienced, this song holds good ingredients even if too much metal oriented to my taste. But I'm not a fan of this genre.

The band unfortunately investigates some more metal sound throughout this album (not "heavy prog" but metal stuff). The longer title track is clearly heading to this style. On top of this, there are some weak wind instrument appearance as well.

The band is now truly a brother's affair, and little to no input from outside seems to be involved. Even if they were omnipresent before this album (and essential to this band), I can only feel some weird performance with this album ("Jacko"). And I can't be thrilled by the awful "Crucible" to tell the truth: a funky to the dead track with little prog to be listened to.

"Magellan" could please during their first two albums (especially with their long songs), but this album is definitely not on par. I still rate it with two stars but I don't like this album. Below average and willing to cover too many different styles (even the "Genesis" while they were three is featured in" Preaching The Converted").

There are just some twenty seconds during which you might think that something great is taking place: a great flute intro fully reminiscent of the mighty Tull during the closing "Critics Carnival". Unfortunately, it is soonly ruined with these metal sounds. These flute sounds will come back much later in the song and be quite performing to be honest. I only would have wished these to be more present in the whole of this work.

I am quite critical about this carnival...although the closing number is quite good and fully "Kansas" oriented.

Just past your way, this is not a good work.